As part of its CSI initiative, MTN has contributed E600 000 to address the challenge of youth unemployment and stimulation of economic recovery. Through the MTN Foundation, MTN once again made the contribution which will be shared by JA, YERF, ENACTUS as well as Young Heroes. This was announced during the cheque handover which took place at Mahlalekhukhwini House last Friday. MTN Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Wandile Mtshali said MTN is grateful for such partnerships which are key in the attainment MTN’s CSI objectives. “We are eager to see a country wide impact from this cash injection with youth from the rural areas also benefitting from the programs being implemented by these partners. MTN Foundation Board Chairperson – Busisiwe Simelane “We are incredibly excited to continue collaborating with our partner organizations, JA, ENACTUS, YERF, Young H e r o e s.

T h e s e organizations h a v e exceptionally augmented the MTN Foundation dream of empowering young people in eSwatini in various ways and by supporting such initiatives, we believe we are contributing to the country’s economic recovery process to support the development of young people and youth entrepreneurs who will contribute to the acceleration of economic activities going forward. We have seen the success stories and the wonderful benefits derived from the different programs run by these organizations over years and which have greatly benefited a sizable number of young people in our country” said. Young Heroes, Executive Director – Khulekani Magongo “MTN Foundation’s support is channelled towards tuition fees, protective clothing, and grade testing for the most vulnerable youth all over the country.

MTN Foundation is a catalyst for and ignited scaling up vocational skills training with the Ministry of Education to expand the reach of vocational skills training to rural communities, expand the scope of trades or skills being offered and intake of trainees each year” Junior Achievement (JA), Executive Director – Phetsile Masilela “JA appreciates the support from MTN since 2015. She said this year they would continue to empower young people at Mpaka vocational Centre, targeting 45 young people. “The funds will go a long way into reducing the current unemployment rate in the country.” Youth Fund (YERF) acting CEO – Thabisile Khumalo “It is such an honor for YERF to be part of the event further strengthening our relationship which began over three y e a r s ago with the MTN Foundation. “The commencement of the partnership gave birth to a product which was named MTNYERF Khula Natsi loan product. While the MTN Foundation is a sponsor of this product, our role as YERF is to facilitate its implementation and empower the young people to start and run their businesses in a sustainable manner which is our overall mandate,” Enactus Country Director – Wonderboy Khumalo also shared his sentiments adding that the generous and continuous support MTN has given them over the years allows them to continue to make an impact on People, Planet and Prosperity. Below is a list of the organizations that benefitted from MTN Foundation’s contribution.

The E600 000 will be shared as follows:

1.         JA Eswatini E100 000

2.         YERF E100 000

3.         Enactus E150 000

4.         Young Heroes E250 000